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How do I deal with controlling ex & his mother?

9 replies

RainBow234 · 05/04/2014 23:39

I really need some advice please from people who understand. I have a lot of lovely supportive friends & family but when I talk about this problem with them I get the feeling that they are thinking 'oh here we go again!'. Just feeling a bit alone on this issue.
I conceived my son on a bit of a drunken night out with a friend. When I told him about the baby, he wanted nothing to do with it. We managed to get through this when X was about 9 months old & he started to play a role with regular contact. I got on well with his family... Until around 2 years ago. I do not for the life of me know what happened but it started to fall apart. He did not pay child support until a year ago. Apparently this was my fault because I never asked!
Anyway,he pays now & still gets regular contact (2 nights per week).
The problem is, whenever he does not get his own way,he becomes verbally abusive through text message. Mostly in a passive aggressive way but I am now at a point that when I see his name on my phone my stomach flips & I am jittery.... Waiting for the abuse! I have stupidly engaged in a reply but not in an offensive way back. I do now try to ignore him & have told him only to use my number to arrange handover & in emergencies. He keeps ignoring this! To top it all off, I get the same from his mother!
Tonight I have found a letter written to me in my sons schoolbag making demands for items that they will take for my son when they take him away for a few days. The letter is written in such a tone that is very rude, I just don't feel I deserve this! I am so accommodating but on the 1 time out of 100 I don't accommodate their demands, I get hell.
I am quite a loud, outgoing person & they are quiet (until you really get to know them) I feel that I will always come across as the big bad wolf & they are the little lambs to the outside world.
Please can someone give me some reassurance & advice about how to handle this?

OP posts:
queenofthepirates · 05/04/2014 23:44

I would suggest a new mobile number for the two of them that you only turn on when your DC is with them (for emergencies). If you have asked nicely and they refuse to stop sending non essential messages then I can't think of any other way to protect yourself.

RainBow234 · 06/04/2014 00:06

That is such a simple solution regarding the text messages, thank you.
I feel like they will still try to find a way to get at me though, if I block one river, another will be created - I wish I knew how to stop the flow in the first place!
If I had the guts I would like to have a conversation with them, but I am so nervous around them. This is not me at all, I feel a shell of myself when faced by him & his wicked mother!

OP posts:
MellowAutumn · 06/04/2014 16:21

Well for a start say you do not wish to hear from his mother again and any further correspondence will be counted as harresment. Tell her she has stepped over the mark and its enough. Figure out why you are nervous and 'fix' it ;)

NeedsAsockamnesty · 06/04/2014 19:56

Can you give an example from the texts or letter?

RainBow234 · 06/04/2014 22:58

They make demands for DS's things (which I have purchased) to be provided for contact, have no courtesy, threaten to show DS texts when he is older to show him I refused contact (which is extremely rare & not without good reason), made offensive remarks about my personality.... I know this all sounds a bit pathetic but it has been going on for a long time & I often receive extremely long texts, sometimes 3 at a time. It once happened just after I had dropped DS off for contact, I hadnt even got home before I heard my phone pinging in my handbag. I often can't bring myself to even read the crap because I know it will just be pointless abuse about how he feels towards me.
His mothers letter was basically saying that she won't promise to take DS to a party she previously had said she would after they return from their Easter mini break with DS. I thought by letting them take DS away for a few days they would realise how reasonable I am, yet I still get this hassle. She also demanded several items of things like waterproof jackets etc. they are not short of a penny or two may I add!
MellowAutumn, how do you mean fix it? I am intrigued....

OP posts:
NeedsAsockamnesty · 06/04/2014 23:33

So stop trying to show your being reasonable, just be reasonable instead of being a walk over.

I'm assuming contact is on set days? If not make it so.

Dear ex

Bombarding me with passive aggressive or hostile texts is harrisment should you or any member of your family continue doing so I will take robust action to ensure this behaviour ceases.

Your contact happens on x days

You are responsible for providing everything x needs during contact

I expect you to be mindful of the above 3 points with all further communication

RainBow234 · 06/04/2014 23:53

Thank you NeedsAsockamnesty!
Contact is set days & times. There is no actual need for communication other than for special occasions or holiday contact, which he rarely takes because he takes all his hols off work during term time.
I think I needed someone to confirm I am being a walk over... I am off to get my letter typed!

OP posts:
NeedsAsockamnesty · 07/04/2014 00:11

Keep it short,to the point,do not waffle or explain.no hand wringing or she/ you said,no I wants

Just matter of fact

starlight1234 · 07/04/2014 13:13

I agree with lots of what has been said..New phone and number...Turn off when not contact day....

Above letter is perfect...

You already know yourself that don't reply to anything demanding abusive...

He is trying to push your buttons...and every reply is reinforcing to him...

As for his mother..I would tell her or her son..contact with her is through his contact time and to be arranged through him...

Yes been nice is not getting you anywhere

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